History of Universities

History of Universities

History of Universities

History of Universities

Excerpt

This volume cannot begin other than with an apology. The planned continuity in the editorship and direction of the journal were affected by administrative problems and personal circumstances, for which neither Oxford University Press nor the Editorial Board are responsible. In retrospect the preface to Volume XIII had something of the hubristic about it. I can only apologize to subscribers, readers, and contributors, and assure them that, despite the hiatus, we are 'back in business' and have resumed regular production.

Perhaps the biggest misfortune to hit History of Universities in the last three years has been the sudden death of John Fletcher. From the foundation of the journal, John was a staunch friend and an indefatigable member of the Editorial Board. In 1988 the History of Universities: Work in Progress and Publications, which he had inaugurated in 1977 under the auspices of the International Commission for the History of Universities, became incorporated in the journal, and he was responsible for the bibliography section until his death. An appreciation of John Fletcher will appear in the next volume. Meanwhile we are glad to be able to announce that, after much discussion, decisions have been reached about the future of the bibliography. In collaboration with the International Commission, Marc Nelissen will be taking up its editorship. Discussion about the future format of the bibliography had already been under way before John's death; with his agreement, and now with that of the International Commission and Oxford University Press, we are planning a full online retrospective bibliography of the history of universities which will incorporate the whole series of John's annual reports. Annual lists will continue to be published in History of Universities as well. Contributions should be sent to Marc Nelissen, University Archives KU Leuven, Mgr. Ladeuzeplein 21, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium; e-mail: Marc.Nelissen@bib.kuleuven.ac.be.

The present volume includes further contributions originally given at the 1993 conference on 'The University in its Urban Setting', to which are added several which are not connected with this theme. There has also regrettably been a hiatus in our planned schedule of . . .